June 4, 2010
Allard Beutel
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
allard.beutel@nasa.gov
Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1979
bob.jacobs@nasa.gov
RELEASE: 10-132
NASA ADMINISTRATOR'S STATEMENT ON FIRST FALCON 9 LAUNCH
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The following is a statement by NASA
Administrator Charles Bolden regarding Friday's launch of Space
Exploration Technologies' Falcon 9 rocket.
"Congratulations to Space X on today's launch of its Falcon 9 launch
vehicle. Space X's accomplishment is an important milestone in the
commercial transportation effort and puts the company a step closer
to providing cargo services to the International Space Station.
"Preparations are proceeding for the first NASA-sponsored test launch
under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services project later
this year. COTS is a vital development and demonstration partnership
to create a commercial space transportation system capable of
providing cargo to the station.
"This launch of the Falcon 9 gives us even more confidence that a
resupply vehicle will be available after the space shuttle fleet is
retired."
For more information about COTS, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/offices/c3po/about/c3po.html
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